Maryland Businessman Faces 56 Charges in Pet Cremation Scam

A deeply troubling case in Catonsville, Maryland, has left grieving pet owners devastated after learning that their beloved animals were never cremated as promised. Authorities allege that Rodney Ward, owner of Loving Pet Care Crematory Services, carried out a years-long scheme that deceived dozens of families by returning fake ashes instead of their pets’ remains. His wife, Yalanda Ward, is also facing charges in connection with the case.

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Investigators confirmed that Ward has been charged with 56 counts of malicious destruction of property. Families reportedly paid up to $500 for cremation services, only to receive bags filled with materials such as sand or concrete.

One victim, Nikki Pickens, recalled the anguish she felt after trusting Ward with her 13-year-old cat, Norbette. She explained that the ashes she was given were immediately suspicious. “I opened the bag and said, ‘This looks like beach sand,’” Pickens told reporters, describing the betrayal as heartbreaking.

The Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and local police launched an investigation after multiple complaints surfaced. When authorities searched Ward’s West Baltimore home, they discovered 38 animal bodies stored in a hearse and additional remains dumped along roadsides. Officials also confirmed that at least seven pets remain unaccounted for.

So far, more than 60 families have come forward, with investigators believing the true number of victims may be higher. The scandal has left families feeling robbed of closure, as what should have been a final act of love for their pets turned into a nightmare of deception.

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In response, Zoey Robinson-Budreski, owner of Charm City Pet Crematory and Funeral Services, has stepped in to help identify ashes and ensure the animals receive the dignified cremations they were originally promised. “He’s been doing this for three years,” she explained. “Sixty-two families have come forward so far, but there are more.”

Robinson-Budreski emphasized that the case underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight in the pet cremation industry. While some business owners may resist new regulations, she believes they are essential to prevent further exploitation. “As a human being and a pet lover, things have got to change, period,” she said.

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For many families, the charges against Ward provide some measure of accountability, though the emotional and financial harm cannot be undone. The case now moves forward in court as authorities continue working to locate missing pets and provide long-awaited closure for their owners.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.